PubHawk
November 2000 PMID 11117499

The neural basis of romantic love.

A Bartels, S Zeki

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Mentions

52
Peak: 1 in Feb 2019
across 5 sources since Feb 2019

Extended reach

44,306
potential audience

Total likes

1,634

Video views

32,945

Mentions per month

Feb 2019 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News28 articles
  • Blogs10 articles
  • X / Twitter9 posts
  • Facebook3 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

These discussions reflect a keen interest in the neural mechanisms of romantic love, citing studies by Bartels and Zeki and mentioning brain regions like the medial insula and anterior cingulate cortex. The tone balances scientific curiosity with references to foundational literature, indicating a respectful acknowledgment of the research's importance without overly emotional reactions.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the study's contribution to understanding the neural basis of romantic love, referencing earlier research like Bartels and Zeki's work, which shows general agreement with the publication.

InterestHigh interest

The posts demonstrate high curiosity, mentioning related studies, foundational work, and suggesting further reading, indicating a strong interest in the scientific discussion.

EngagementModerate engagement

Several discussions engage with specific brain regions and prior research, showing moderate engagement through citations and commentary on the science, though some posts are more promotional.

ImpactModerate impact

The mention of the article as a top-read and its connection to foundational studies suggest a recognition of its significance, though the overall impact is moderate due to the academic tone and supplementary references.

Abstract in brief

  • The study used fMRI to examine the brain activity of 17 individuals in romantic love while viewing pictures of their partners compared to friends, revealing specific brain regions involved.
  • Key areas activated included the medial insula, anterior cingulate cortex, caudate nucleus, and putamen, while deactivations occurred in the posterior cingulate gyrus and amygdala, with some regions showing right-sided dominance.
  • These findings suggest that romantic love involves a unique network of brain regions, supporting the idea that different emotional states are managed by specialized areas in the brain.]
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Sezgisel
@MssKayra · X

Bartels A, Zeki S, The neural basis of romantic love; Öktem O, Aşkın nöral temelleri 2013

Nov 28, 2022 · 8 likes · 1,375 followers View post →
Alex Flores
@Al3xFlores_ · X

Fuentes: Kühn, S., et al. (2011). "The neural basis of romantic love." Neuroreport, 22(11), 658-662. University of Queensland (2017). "Cheating men have lower IQs, study finds." ScienceDaily.

Jan 7, 2023 · 5 likes · 6,804 followers View post →
Guru Shazim
@SShazim14 · X

@chiicopalito @ContaFake239 @GugaNoblat Young, L. J., & Wang, Z. (2004). "The neurobiology of pair bonding." Nature Neuroscience, 7(10), 1048-1054. Bartels, A., & Zeki, S. (2004). "The neural basis of romantic love." NeuroImage, 21(2), 1155-1166.

Mar 14, 2025 · 2 likes · 60 followers View post →
Kirti - A Father
@Indianfathers · X

@ikamalhaasan Aalwarpetta Aandavarey! Something you will Love (pun intended) to read https://t.co/3jihJRgzhP The Neural Basis of Romantic Love! A research paper in Cognitive Neurology (involving brain parts medial insula , anterior cingulate cortex) #KadhalMannan Samarpanam

Feb 15, 2019 · 1 like · 720 followers View post →
Sugma Eggplant
@DimSum787 · X

@Skipppiee @MathildaRe95405 @AmbrosePierce4 @AiG https://t.co/5XaLd1BS8z you can start with Bartels et al 2000.. barrels & zeki is also interesting. There are plenty more after that also… all you have to do is look

Feb 22, 2024 · 1 like · 143 followers View post →
NeuroReport
@NeuroReport · X

This paper on the neural basis of romantic love is the top read paper in our archives: https://t.co/Cn31s9hR1O You guys are interested in this paper too, on self-isolation: https://t.co/J8sqRuCgmX For cutting edge research, check out our latest issue: https://t.co/htmeosLejp

Nov 4, 2020 · 1,078 followers View post →

All mentions

Adam Bode
@AdamBode4 · X

@akinnertug She did contribute meaningfully to the science of love, but it's actually a myth that she was the first to neuroimage love. Bartels and Zeki beat her by about 5 years: https://t.co/Umx3l5Y205

Jun 15, 2025 · 543 followers View post →
Guru Shazim
@SShazim14 · X

@chiicopalito @ContaFake239 @GugaNoblat Young, L. J., & Wang, Z. (2004). "The neurobiology of pair bonding." Nature Neuroscience, 7(10), 1048-1054. Bartels, A., & Zeki, S. (2004). "The neural basis of romantic love." NeuroImage, 21(2), 1155-1166.

Mar 14, 2025 · 2 likes · 60 followers View post →
Omnipato
@pimeneses · X

@fernand79469691 "The Neural Basis of Romantic Love" - Fisher, Aron, & Brown (2005) "Oxytocin Increases Trust in Humans" - Kosfeld et al. (2005) "Serotonin and Emotional Processing: Does It Help Explain Antidepressant Drug Effects?" - Harmer et al. (2009)

Jul 8, 2024 · 594 followers View post →
Sugma Eggplant
@DimSum787 · X

@Skipppiee @MathildaRe95405 @AmbrosePierce4 @AiG https://t.co/5XaLd1BS8z you can start with Bartels et al 2000.. barrels & zeki is also interesting. There are plenty more after that also… all you have to do is look

Feb 22, 2024 · 1 like · 143 followers View post →
CogitErgo
@asso_cogitergo · X

Sources

Feb 14, 2023 · 45 followers View post →
Alex Flores
@Al3xFlores_ · X

Fuentes: Kühn, S., et al. (2011). "The neural basis of romantic love." Neuroreport, 22(11), 658-662. University of Queensland (2017). "Cheating men have lower IQs, study finds." ScienceDaily.

Jan 7, 2023 · 5 likes · 6,804 followers View post →
Sezgisel
@MssKayra · X

Bartels A, Zeki S, The neural basis of romantic love; Öktem O, Aşkın nöral temelleri 2013

Nov 28, 2022 · 8 likes · 1,375 followers View post →
NeuroReport
@NeuroReport · X

This paper on the neural basis of romantic love is the top read paper in our archives: https://t.co/Cn31s9hR1O You guys are interested in this paper too, on self-isolation: https://t.co/J8sqRuCgmX For cutting edge research, check out our latest issue: https://t.co/htmeosLejp

Nov 4, 2020 · 1,078 followers View post →
Kirti - A Father
@Indianfathers · X

@ikamalhaasan Aalwarpetta Aandavarey! Something you will Love (pun intended) to read https://t.co/3jihJRgzhP The Neural Basis of Romantic Love! A research paper in Cognitive Neurology (involving brain parts medial insula , anterior cingulate cortex) #KadhalMannan Samarpanam

Feb 15, 2019 · 1 like · 720 followers View post →